Hoka Clifton 10: this daily trainer surpasses its predecessor – my much loved Clifton 9

This latest incarnation of the French brand’s popular neutral daily trainer is the most fluid-feeling yet – and I said that about the Clifton 9.

From my very first run in the Hoka Clifton 9, I was convinced it had to be one of the best running shoes. I was surprised by the responsiveness of such a cushioned daily trainer. So much did I enjoy running in tat shoe that I still use it occasionally two years on. (Though it’s now become more festival footwear than a regular runner.)

Finally I will have to hang up the Clifton 9 as my daily trainer though as its successor – the Hoka Clifton 10 – is here. I’ve been comparing and contrasting the two shoes over the past two months to see if there are any noticeable differences and if the obligatory tweaks make the this the best Clifton yet.

Hoka Clifton 10: first impressions

My first impression with the Hoka Clifton 10 as I took the pair out of the box was, “yes, definitely a Clifton”. That pronounced arch and elongated heel grip that have defined the line are still there. That big chunk of EVA foam is as prominent as ever too. But it was only when I compared it to my old Hoka Clifton 9 that a few subtle differences started to appear.

The first was a steeper heel-toe drop – an additional 3mm on the 5mm of the Clifton 9. The second was a slightly wider toe box – reminiscent of the older Clifton 8. And thirdly a double lace lock to mitigate tongue movement – as opposed to the older central single lock. Underneath the tread has been redesigned a little too. It’s a little flatter and less diagonal than before. With all these tweaks in mind, I was keen to see if I felt the difference out on the road.

Hoka Clifton 10: in use

As a long-time Clifton user, running in the Hoka Clifton 10 for the first time felt like slipping on a much-loved pair of loafers. Instantly comfortable and familiar, but with a little something extra, which at first I couldn’t put my finger on. It was only when I started to pick up the pace and turning quicker into corners I felt my toes could splay out a little more – thanks to that slightly wider toe box. The lively, springy ride made me realise I’d probably hung onto my Clifton 9 shoes just a little too long. They felt so long in the tooth now than any direct comparison would not be realistic.

If I thought the Clifton 9 offered superb cushioned comfort, the Clifton 10 is plusher still. Not only that, but that extra 3mm heel-toe drop encourages a quicker foot turnover – one that I didn’t even think I needed with the Clifton 9. Looking from the rear of the shoe, the Clifton 10 is indeed noticeably higher, and I think it’s the one design tweak that has turned a good shoe into a great one.

Hoka Clifton 10: improvements

Though the jacquard knit doesn’t look as well ventilated, in my two months of testing I never noticed a change in breathability to its previous iteration. At 278g, it has put on about 20g, but that’s unnoticeable out on the road. What is noticeable is that more secure double lace lock, which held the tongue in place a little better during pacier sessions. Grip-wise, that wide, chunky outsole was as confidence-inspiring as ever – even in the wet. Its firmer ride may put some runners off, but for me it rounded out the package perfectly.

Hoka Clifton 10: verdict

If you’re switching from a different neutral daily shoe to the Clifton 10, the experience might feel like a bit of a jump – one that you might spend a while getting used to. But if you’ve come through the ranks with previous Cliftons, you might – like me – think this the perfect evolution on one of the most popular daily runners around. If you put in regular miles and are more concerned with finding a fluid-feeling shoe rather than a perky pace-setter, I think the Hoka Clifton 10 could be right up your street.

Hoka Clifton 10: specifications